Jurgen Klopp’s Debut Liverpool XI: Their Current Whereabouts
It feels like just yesterday when Jurgen Klopp took charge of his first game as Liverpool manager. On October 17, 2015, Klopp led his team out against Tottenham, and although the match ended in a goalless draw, it was clear that Klopp’s influence was already being felt. Let’s take a look at where those players from his first starting XI are now.
Simon Mignolet – Active
Mignolet, the goalkeeper who started that first game under Klopp, left Liverpool in 2019 to join Club Brugge. Since then, he has become a key figure for the Belgian side, winning the league three times and the Belgian Super Cup. Mignolet has also been named the Belgian First Division A Goalkeeper of the Year four times in a row.
Nathaniel Clyne – Active
Clyne returned to Crystal Palace in 2020, where he began his career. Although he has struggled with injuries and has only made 54 league appearances since then, he remains with the club at the age of 32.
Martin Skrtel – Retired
Skrtel left Liverpool in 2016 and went on to play for several clubs before retiring in 2022 due to back injuries. He did make a promise to his friends and played for his hometown club after retiring from professional football. Skrtel has since returned to play for Liverpool Legends.
Mamadou Sakho – ‘Active’
After leaving Liverpool in 2017, Sakho joined Crystal Palace, where he played until 2021. He then moved to Montpellier but quit the club in 2023 after a physical altercation with the manager. As of now, Sakho is without a club, and it remains to be seen if he will continue his career or retire.
Alberto Moreno – Active
Moreno returned to Spain after leaving Liverpool in 2019 and joined Villarreal. Although he has suffered from injuries, Moreno did lift the Europa League trophy in 2021 with the club. He is currently still playing for Villarreal.
Emre Can – Active
Can left Liverpool in 2018 and joined Juventus, but the move was not as successful as he had hoped. He eventually found his home at Borussia Dortmund, where he now wears the captain’s armband and primarily plays as a defensive midfielder.
Lucas Leiva – Retired
Lucas, a cult hero at Liverpool, was forced to retire in 2023 due to a heart condition. After retiring, he joined Gremio as an ambassador for Liverpool.
James Milner – Active
Milner left Liverpool in 2023 after eight successful years at the club and joined Brighton. He continues to set high standards and is now the Premier League’s second all-time appearance maker.
Philippe Coutinho – Active
Coutinho’s departure from Liverpool in 2018 marked a defining transfer for both the player and the club. He has since played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich (on loan), Aston Villa, and is currently on loan at Al-Duhail in Qatar. While he has won trophies with these clubs, there is a feeling that his potential was not fully tapped into.
Adam Lallana – Active
Lallana returned to Brighton in 2020 and remains a valuable asset to the team. He has battled injuries but continues to contribute his experience to the squad.
Divock Origi – Active
Origi has struggled since leaving Liverpool in 2022, playing for AC Milan and now on loan at Nottingham Forest. He has been linked with a potential move to MLS.
Conclusion
Jurgen Klopp’s first starting XI at Liverpool has seen players go on to various paths. Some have found success at new clubs, while others have battled injuries or retired. Klopp’s influence is still felt in the careers of these players, and it is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in his team.